Brighton has been a fishing town for over 700 years. The commercial fleet has mostly gone, but the recreational fishing scene is strong. Brighton Marina’s breakwaters offer some of the best shore fishing on the south coast, the beaches produce bass and mackerel through the warmer months, and there are several charter boats running deep sea trips from the Marina year-round.
Whether you are a regular angler or have never held a rod, this guide covers where to go fishing in Brighton, what you can catch, what it costs and where to get bait and tackle.
Table of Contents
Quick Reference Table
| Type | Where | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marina East Wall | Brighton Marina breakwater | From £6 day session | Most species, deep water access, year-round |
| Marina West Wall | Brighton Marina breakwater | From £6 day session | Calmer conditions, good for beginners |
| Beach fishing | Brighton and Hove beaches | Free | Bass, mackerel, flatfish in season |
| Boat charter (half day) | Brighton Marina | Varies by operator | Deep sea wreck fishing, bigger species |
| Boat charter (full day) | Brighton Marina | Varies by operator | Cod, pollock, bream, conger |
Shore Fishing
Brighton Marina Breakwaters
The East Wall and West Wall at Brighton Marina are the most popular fishing spots in Brighton. The breakwaters give you access to deep water without needing a boat, and the range of species is broad: bass, bream, pollock, wrasse, mackerel, garfish, mullet, flatfish and squid all show up depending on the season.
The East Wall gives access to deep water and mixed ground, with pollock, wrasse, bass, flatfish and other species showing depending on the season and conditions. Float fishing here can produce a surprisingly wide variety at different depths. Opening hours and accessible bays change with weather and maintenance, so check The Tackle Box’s latest wall status before travelling.
The West Wall is generally calmer and more sheltered, making it a better choice for beginners or rougher weather days. It is also weather-dependent, so check the latest wall status before making the trip.
Fishing charges: Day session (6am to 6pm) costs £6 for one rod or £7 for two rods for adults. Juniors and OAPs pay £4 for one rod or £5 for two. Maximum two rods per person. Night fishing availability varies, so check with The Tackle Box before planning an evening session.
Rules: No glass on the walls. Everyone on the lower levels needs a valid fishing ticket, whether fishing or not. Parking is in the Marina multi-storey car park, not the small car park near the cafe.
Beach Fishing
Brighton and Hove’s beaches are free to fish from and produce good catches in the right conditions. From February onwards, the beaches can hold plaice in clear, settled water. Through summer, mackerel arrive and can be caught from the shore, particularly in the evenings when the beaches are quieter. Bass show in the surf at both high and low tides, especially when the wind picks up. Sole, eels and the occasional undulate ray are also possible.
The groyne near the Palace Pier is a popular shore mark. Evening and night sessions are generally more productive in summer, both for the fishing and for avoiding the daytime crowds.
Beach fishing requires no permit or payment. You just need your own tackle and bait.
Boat Fishing
Several charter boats operate from Brighton Marina, offering trips ranging from short three-hour sessions to full-day deep sea wreck fishing. The Sussex coast has hundreds of wrecks in the English Channel, making it one of the better areas on the south coast for boat fishing. Species include cod, pollock, ling, bream, turbot, bass, conger eels and mackerel depending on the season.
Brighton Charter Fishing (Grey Viking II)
Brighton Charter Fishing runs deep sea fishing trips and shorter three and four-hour trips aboard the Grey Viking II. They have held prices on their shorter trips for six consecutive years. Trips depart from Brighton Marina and you must call between 5pm and 7pm the evening before to confirm weather and departure time.
Brighton Lure Boat
Brighton Lure Boat specialises in lure fishing and caters for all experience levels, from complete novices to experienced anglers. Skipper Iain has over 40 years of fishing experience on the Sussex coast. All fishing equipment is provided, though you can bring your own if you prefer. Gift vouchers are available.
Brighton Diver
Brighton Diver is a 40ft catamaran offering deep sea wreck fishing for up to 12 anglers. The boat is well equipped and has been featured on Sky Sports Tight Lines. They also run sightseeing trips to the Rampion Wind Farm and offer the boat for ash scattering at sea.
Brigand Charters
Brigand Charters operates Proteus, a 10-metre Blyth Workcat certified for up to 12 passengers. They offer ground fishing, wreck fishing and trips targeting specific species. Book directly through their website.
Tackle Shops
The Tackle Box (The Famous Tacklebox)
The Tackle Box at Brighton Marina is the main tackle shop for fishing in Brighton and the place to go for bait, advice and wall access information. They sell fresh and frozen bait, with current listed examples including black lugworm, ragworm, frozen squid and frozen mackerel. Prices and availability can change, so check before travelling if you need specific bait. Bait can be pre-ordered by phone for collection.
The shop posts current opening hours on its website, and hours may be affected by adverse weather. The staff are knowledgeable and can advise on what is fishing well, which areas to target and what rigs to use. If you are new to fishing in Brighton, this is the first place to visit.
Phone: 01273 696677
Scotties Fishing Tackle
Scotties Fishing Tackle is a well-regarded local tackle shop in Southwick, a short drive west of Brighton. They stock a wide range of gear and bait across carp, coarse, match, sea and predator fishing. Check current opening hours before making a dawn trip, as public listings do not consistently support very early opening.
Address: 25 Southwick Square, Southwick BN42 4FP
What Can You Catch and When
The species available from Brighton change through the year.
Spring (March to May): Plaice arrive on the beaches from February and continue into spring. Pollock fishing picks up on the wrecks from January onwards, with good numbers through to April.
Summer (June to August): Mackerel are the main draw, catchable from the shore, the Marina walls and from boats. Bass, bream, garfish and smoothhound also show through the warmer months. Summer evenings on the Marina walls or the beaches can be productive.
Autumn (September to November): One of the best periods for fishing in Brighton. Bass remain active, cod start to appear on the wrecks, and the squid fishing at the Marina picks up. The Tackle Box runs an annual squid competition.
Winter (December to February): Wreck fishing for cod, pollock and ling continues through winter from the boats. Shore fishing slows but whiting and dabs are possible from the beaches and the Marina walls on calmer days.
Practical Tips
Beginners. Start at the Marina West Wall. It is sheltered, the Tackle Box is right there for advice and bait, and the fishing charges are low. A basic setup with a two-hook flapper rig and lugworm will catch fish.
Tides. Tide times matter for beach fishing in particular. A rising tide often produces better results. Check tide tables before heading out.
Weather. The Marina walls close in bad weather for safety. Check The Tackle Box website or Facebook group (Brighton Marina Fishing UK) for the latest wall status before making the trip.
Parking. Use the Marina multi-storey car park. Free parking is available. Do not park in the small car park near the cafe as this can result in a fine.
No licence needed. Sea fishing in England does not require a rod licence. You can fish from the beaches, the Marina walls and from charter boats without one.
FAQs
Where is the best fishing in Brighton?
Brighton Marina’s East and West Walls are the most popular and productive shore fishing spots. For boat fishing, the charter boats operating from the Marina access hundreds of wrecks in the English Channel. The beaches are free and produce mackerel and bass in the warmer months.
Can beginners go fishing in Brighton?
Yes. The Marina West Wall is a good starting point. The Tackle Box on site sells starter kits, bait and can advise on setups. Several charter boats welcome complete novices and provide all equipment. Fishing in Brighton is accessible at every level.
How much does fishing in Brighton cost?
Shore fishing from the beaches is free. The Marina walls charge from £6 for an adult day session with one rod, or £7 for two rods. Juniors and OAPs currently pay from £4. Charter boat trips vary by operator and trip length. No rod licence is required for sea fishing in England.
What fish can I catch in Brighton?
Species vary by season. Mackerel in summer, plaice in spring, bass from spring through autumn, pollock on the wrecks year-round, squid in autumn, and cod in winter. The Marina walls produce the widest variety from the shore.
Do I need a fishing licence for sea fishing in Brighton?
No. Sea fishing in England does not require a rod licence. This applies to beach fishing, Marina wall fishing and boat fishing.
Final Thoughts
Fishing in Brighton ranges from a free evening session casting off the beach to a full day of wreck fishing 20 miles offshore. The Marina breakwaters are the heart of it, with The Tackle Box as the hub for everything you need. If you have never fished before, start there. If you want deeper water and bigger fish, the charter boats are well established and welcoming to all levels. Brighton’s fishing history may have faded from the high street, but it is very much alive on the walls, the beaches and the boats.
